TFK Explains: Government Shutdown

On October 1, the U.S. government shut down. At press time, it had not reopened. TFK explains.

What is a government shutdown?

Government agencies depend on funding from Congress. A government shutdown happens when lawmakers are unable to pass a federal budget. During a shutdown, some parts of the government close.

Why did this government shutdown happen?

Democrats and Republicans in Congress have been unable to agree on a budget. One major issue has been the Affordable Care Act. This healthcare law was put in place in 2010. Tax credits included in it will expire soon. Democrats want to extend them. Republicans have said they will not negotiate this until a spending bill is passed.

Who is affected by the shutdown?

The Congressional Budget Office says that 750,000 workers could be furloughed, or temporarily laid off. Others may be required to work, some with pay and some without.

Government employees affected include border patrol and transportation security officers. Animals are still being cared for at the National Zoo, in Washington, D.C. But the zoo is closed to the public. Most national parks are open. But the National Park Service has closed some facilities, such as restrooms.

President Donald Trump has said that he may fire “a lot” of federal workers if the shutdown continues. Unions representing federal workers argue that mass layoffs now would not be legal.

When will the shutdown end?

Lawmakers have not yet come to an agreement. The shutdown will continue until they do.

Has this happened before?

Yes. A shutdown that began in December 2018 lasted 35 days. In the past, affected employees have been paid for this time after a shutdown ended. But that’s not guaranteed.

Stop and Think!

WHY did TFK write this story in a question-and-answer format? How might this help a reader understand the information?